The Catcher in the Rye: Mr. Antolini

Mr. Antolini is one of Holden’s old English teachers form Elkton Hills School. He is quite the character, and I am not really sure how to feel about him. I really want to like him because he is such a good and nice guy, but there is just something about him that seems all too fishy. He, like Mr. Spencer, tries to reach Holden in the academic world, but he succeeds for the most part. I think the reason he succeeds reaching Holden is that he is quite a bit more lenient and almost unprofessional than the traditional teacher is. For instance, he does not mind Holden’s drinking or smoking, and he does not really seem to care when Holden calls him after midnight. His teaching techniques with Holden are also very unconventional, but they work. He teaches Holden that he should learn writing and writing techniques not because he will do well in school, but that school, mainly writing, can and probably will be useful to him later in life. He is a genuinely nice guy towards Holden, which is why I feel I should like him as a character. Mr. Antolini’s main appearance comes when Holden is out one night, and he does not want to go back to his apartment, so he calls up Mr. Antolini to stay with him. Mr. Antolini being the nice guy that he is lets him come right on over. Even though Mrs. Antolini is in her curlers and no makeup, she is very hospitable. They are obviously very caring towards Holden. However, the questionable action comes that very night. While Holden is asleep, Mr. Antolini starts stroking his head. At first thought, I, like Holden, thought this was some sort of creepy and sexual pass, but I realize now that it was nothing of the sort. Mr. Antolini just greatly cares about Holden, and he was showing it in just a strange way. Holden flees the apartment because he is so scared. Holden’s misjudgment actually helps him though. He regrets making such a snappy judgment and begins to question his own judgments toward people. This helps him grow as a character. Now that I really think about it, I do like Mr. Antolini. He is a very caring and genuinely nice guy especially towards Holden.